4 APRIL 2018 classroom. If we go to Flagstaff, here’s a picture of us at Mount Humphreys. Or here we are at the courthouse in Prescott. It shows them that these are real places. One thing I also do is try to bring guest speakers in any time I can. We had a couple gentlemen from the military last year who visited during a lesson on the flag and they taught the kids how to fold it properly. Sandy Brondello, the coach of the Phoenix Mercury, came in and brought the Olympic medals with her to show the kids! Sarah Smith, who works for the President, came by. She plans trips for the President by organizing everything weeks in advance, and she talked to the kids about what it was like to fly on Air Force One. When these people come in and speak, I always tell the kids to remember that Ms. Smith or Ms. Brondello were in the fourth grade once too. I have the speakers talk about what being in the fourth grade was like for them. It’s a great way to show the students that they have a pretty cool future ahead of them. I tell my kids, d ream big, it can happen! Tell us about your background and why you decided to be a teacher. I’m a native of Scottsdale. I went to Northern Arizona University and took a class on teaching. I just found that it was something I was good at. When I was a kid, I didn’t even like school. It was hard for me and looking back I wonder if I may have had a learning disability. I was just never really good at it. But as a result of not liking school and not being able to learn things quickly, I had to come up with tricks. And I think that ties into the way I teach. Talk about your teaching style. The way I teach is untraditional in a way. I’ll use singing, dancing, rhymes, all kinds of methods. But I always felt like I needed to teach that way. I wanted to use the creativity that had helped me, to teach lessons to my kids. It’s a strategy, if you make learning fun, kids will love learning! What is it about 4 th graders that you love? I had always wanted to teach fourth graders. They’re still so little, that’s important to remember. They are just eight and nine years old in the fourth grade, but they’re also getting to a place where they’re old enough to do anything. I could spend a class teaching them how to write a paragraph, but I could also have them write a five-paragraph essay too. They’re at a point where they’re still children who love their teacher, but they’re also starting to work on things that older kids do! How do you try and make subjects come alive for the students? I’m the mom who takes my two children places and always makes them take pictures. So, I’ll use those pictures in the THIS MONTH’S WINNER: Katha Merucci – St. Thomas NOMINATED BY: Lilly Tigue Katha Merucci teaches fourth grade at St. Thomas Catholic School. Winning teachers receive Arcadia News gift items, a gift certifi cate for Elements Massage-Phoenix Arcadia and a gift certifi cate to Postino. All winners are invited to an end of school year celebratory luncheon. Nominate a teacher you love at arcadianews.com. April is an outdoor month for our area. It’s the time of the year where we all begin to feel the mortality of the season, when we realize that there’s only a finite amount of time before the heat arrives. In this issue of the Arcadia News , we’re taking a look at one of the best local destinations for outdoor activity: Papago Park! What is unique about Papago (page 32) is how many different activities there are to take part in when you spend a day in the park. There’s an archery range, a disk golf course, and a fishing lagoon. Nearby are Phoenix favorites like the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. And of course, there’s Hole-in-the-Rock, one of the most famous hikes in the area. One of the most well-known events in the neighborhood is taking place this month. Team Taylor has been raising money for SIDS research for the past six years with their annual Arcadia Fun Run 5K (page 22) and this year’s race is looking to have its biggest turnout yet. Runners will hit the course at 8 a.m. on April 22nd, with an afterparty to be held at O.H.S.O. Also featured in our April edition is the Wrigley Mansion (page 38). Most residents recognize the unique looking house that sits high on a hill in Phoenix, but few know the interesting reason it was built, and why it is still around today. It is also the 60th anniversary of Arcadia High School (page 29), and we’re taking a look back at some of the best moments that have taken place at 47th St. and Indian School. And speaking of Arcadia High School, they’ve got themselves a new football coach. Read all about Coach Taylor’s plans for rebuilding the Titans program (page 52). As always, I encourage you to reach out to me with any story ideas, suggestions or feedback. Many of our best neighborhood stories are made possible by loyal readers who contact us. We hope you enjoy this April 2018 edition – and thank you for reading the Arcadia News ! — Nick Smith nick@arcadianews.com EDITOR’S NOTE BEALSMD.COM Long-time Arcadia resident & supporter. 5410 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite E400 | Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 | (480) 947-6788 Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Specializing in Facial & Body Rejuvenation. Practice includes a fully equipped Skin and Laser Center. Stephen P. Beals, MD, PC BEALSMD.COM Call us to learn more about a MINI FACELIFT Before After Actual Patient

2018 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2018-2/28/2018) Active Homes - 79 Homes Homes Sold - 33 Homes Average Sale Price - $635,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $268 Average Days On Market - 78 days There is currently 4 months of home inventory. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home sales have decreased 15% this year. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home prices have increased 4%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 4%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 Homes are taking 0% more time to sell. (based on 2017 sales results) 2017 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 241 Homes Average Sale Price - $612,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $257 Average Days On Market - 78 days 2016 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT YEAR END SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 219 Homes Average Sale Price - $527,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $235 Average Days On Market - 93 days Arcadia Real Estate Stats 2018 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2018-2/28/2018) Active Homes - 202 homes Homes Sold - 33 homes Average Sale Price - $1,118,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $346 Average Days On Market - 137 days There is currently 9 months of home inventory. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home sales have decreased 22% this year. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home prices have decreased 2%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 1%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 homes are taking 15% more time to sell. (based on 2017 sales results) 2017 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 276 homes Average Sale Price - $1,140,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $332 Average Days On Market - 116 days 2016 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT YEAR END SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 278 homes Average Sale Price - $1,210,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $328 Average Days On Market - 128 days If you are buying or selling a home in Arcadia, call Tommy! visit Tommy Atkinson .com Free MLS Access • Complete list of ALL Hopi properties for sale Complete List of ALL Tavan properties for sale West USA Realty Cell: 602-625-6020 3 Spur Circle • $ 599,000 3 Bedroom/ 2 bathroom • 1,977 square feet Spur Circle 6009 E Osborn • $ 799,000 4 Bedroom/ 5 bathroom • 4,200 square feet Arizona Country Club 3114 N Marigold • $ 699,000 4 bedroom/ 3.5 Bath • 3,050 square feet Arizona Country Club 6235 E Lafayette • $ 1,295,000 3 Bedroom/ 3 bathroom • 3,948 square feet Quintessential Arcadia Ranch I have several buyers looking for houses in Arcadia. If you don’t want to list your house but would consider selling, please call me.